Cleared for takeoff, but where’s the pilot?

Mumbai: Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh had to fly to Nagpur for the winter session in a private aircraft as the state government aircraft did not have an official pilot. It still doesn’t.
The only pilot, who turned 65 on November 14, had allegedly given an incorrect birthdate so that he could serve for three more years.
Navin Srivatsava and co-pilot Nitu Gupta were responsible to fly the state government aircraft B350 and the helicopter. The state government had plans to continue the pilot despite being known that he was overaged. But the state received a letter from the Director General, Civil Aviation, directing it to stop using Srivatsava’s services.
“The government has been trying to appoint one more pilot, but the meagre salary prevents any professional pilot coming government’s way,” the official said, seeking anonymity.
Co-pilot Neetu Gupta has acquired the status of an independent pilot after flying for more than 300 hours. “But the aircraft cannot be flown without two pilots,” an ex-pilot with Air India said.
Y Kothari, Director, Civil Aviation Department said, “We are carrying an advertisement for pilots. The Air Force has suggested some names to us. It’s true that we had to discontinue our pilot’s service after we received the letter two days ago.” Interestingly, the government has invited tenders for new JET 400XP aircraft, but no company has shown interest yet, thus forcing the government to extend the tender date.
05/12/06 Surendra Gangan/Daily News & Analysis